The Compassionate Bereavement Care Certification® program explores and extends current evidence based practices in traumatic grief and is based in a non-medicalized, non-pathologizing, mindfulness-based approach. We teach the art of full presence and compassionate counseling informed by recent science (Cacciatore, 2010; Cacciatore & Flint, 2012; Thielman & Cacciatore, 2013; Cacciatore, Thieleman, Killian, & Tavassoli, in press).

The CBC-Y® program combines the above approach with the science and philosophy of yoga. The training is based the novel, empirically tested mindfulness-based intervention of the ATTEND model—combining attunement, trust and touch, egalitarianism, nuance and death education—merged with Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga as well as teachings of the multiple branches of yoga including Jnana, Bhakti, Tantra, Karma, Raja, Hatha, and Japa. We will explore how yoga philosophy and science is reflected in the ATTEND model as well as how yogic science, philosophy and the teachings from various branches of yoga provide tools for both practitioner, provider and the bereaved to be with, surrender to, do with, and integrate grief. You will also learn and experience how the teachings and practices of yoga can ideally support clients enduring traumatic stress.​You will discover, through a phenomenological perspective, creativity, ritual, art, service, group and personal practice, the particular efficacy of the various branches of yoga in providing support and psychosocial care to the traumatically bereaved.

Exclusively for members of the Richmond Chapter of the MISS Foundation

Joanne will share mindfulness and meditation techniques to help either deepen or begin a mindfulness practice and how these practices can be useful in grief. Learning to be in the present moment--being present with and to our grief--can help us find some respite from both the short and long term consequences of traumatic grief.

A current meditation practice is not necessary.

Space is limited and while there is no cost, donations to MISS RVA are welcome.

Please email Karla at karla.helbert@missfoundation.org if you are interested in attending.

The MISS Foundation's Kindness Walk: Remembering Those We Love is an international memorial walk to remember all of the beloved children who are gone too soon, and to honor all of the mothers, fathers, families and communities by participating in Kindness Projects as a way to continue their child's legacy. In memory of our precious children, we will be doing a Remembrance Project and a Kindness Project in conjunction with our walk.

Our Kindness Project will be collecting supplies for Child Life at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Child Life's goal is to: "ease the emotional stress of a serious medical condition. Child life specialists provide the smiles and support to help children and their families cope. They ease their young patients' adjustment to unfamiliar hospital surroundings through playful activities and celebrations that make everyone more relaxed and comfortable."